TITLE XIII - CRIMES AGAINST HONOR

I. LIBEL

A. Nature

1. Civil

2. Criminal

3. Constitutional

U.S. vs. Bustos 37 Phil. 731

B. Elements - Art. 353

1. Publicity

2. Malice

3. Defamatory imputation

4. Identity of offended person

Newsweek vs. Intermediate Appellate Court 142 SCRA 171

C. Defenses

1. Privileged communication

a. Absolute privilege

b. Qualified privilege - Art. 354, pars. (1) and (2)

Mercado vs. CFI, Rizal 116 SCRA 93Santos vs. CA 203 SCRA 110Sazon vs. CA 255 SCRA 692

2. Truth

a. Imputation of a crime, if made in good motives and with justifiable ends - Art. 361, par. 1

b. Imputation not of a crime, if made against a Government employee and related to the discharge of his duties - Art. 361, par. 2

D. Rebuttal - Art. 362

1. Actual malice

2. Constructive malice

New York Times vs. Sullivan 376 U.S. 254

E. Offenses and Penalties

1. Libel in writing, etc. - Art. 355

2. Threatening to publish, and offer to prevent publication - Art. 356

3. Prohibited publication of acts referred to in official proceedings - Art. 357

4. Grave Slander - Art. 358

5. Simple Slander - Art. 358

Victorio vs. CA 173 SCRA 645

6. Slander by Deed - Art. 359

F. Procedural rules

1. Persons responsible

2. Jurisdiction and venue

Soriano vs. Intermediate Appellate Court 167 SCRA 222

3. Imputation of a private offense

II. INCRIMINATORY MACHINATIONS

A. Incriminating innocent persons - Art. 363

People vs. Alagao 16 SCRA 879

B. Intriguing against honor - Art. 364

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